Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) made a big splash during the port phase of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam by winning the coveted RIMPAC Cup.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) organized a diverse, multinational, multi-day sporting event that included a wide range of activities such as a 5K run, basketball, softball, indoor and beach volleyball, swimming, soccer, bench press, tennis, bowling, golf, and even an e-sports tournament, so there was something for everyone.

“CVN 70, Team Broadsword and Team Blue Ribbon have shown every country that has participated in RIMPAC why we are part of America’s favorite carrier,” said Terrence Ellison, the MWR fitness specialist aboard Carl Vinson. “I appreciate the athleticism displayed during RIMPAC 2024 and I am very proud to say I am the ‘Fit Boss’ on CVN-70.”

Ships and commands received points for entering and participating in competitions, as well as points for placings. The command that earned the most points in all events was declared the winner. “America’s Favorite Carrier” earned a total of 36 points, securing the right to the all-time trophy.

“This is one of the coolest opportunities you can have,” said Sonar Technician 2nd Class Braxton White, a native of Wichita Falls, Texas, and assigned to Carl Vinson. “For me personally, it’s great to have the chance to participate in the exercise, especially because it represents such a large-scale integration of our allies and partners.”

During the first phase of the exercise, more than 600 people took part in a total of 49 games.

“The best thing about participating in RIMPAC sports is seeing where everyone is from and meeting new people,” said Ensign Floyd Ross, assigned to the Royal New Zealand Navy’s auxiliary tanker supply ship HMNZS Aotearoa. “Even though we come from different backgrounds, at the end of the day we are all here for the same mission.”

Joining Carl Vinson on the podium were the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS Tromp (F803) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100), both of which achieved 21 points.

“It is a privilege for our ship to participate,” said Sergeant Major Timo Van Hest, assigned to the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS Tromp (F803). “We love sportsmanship all over the world. Everyone is connected and we can learn from each other as fighters and as competitors.”

The theme of RIMPAC 2024 is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared” and the sporting activities aim to promote camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants.

“It’s great to be able to be here, participate in these events and represent our command,” said Chief Interior Communications Wayne Garigen, a native of San Diego, Calif., and assigned to Carl Vinson. “It means a lot to us to enjoy a great game with our shipmates from around the world.”

The official trophy presentation will take place after the sea phase of the exercise.

Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands from June 27 to August 1. RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime exercise and provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining the cooperative relationships among participants that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971.